Residents in Lautoka remain concerned as the smoke from the Vunato rubbish dump fire has still not cleared.
The Lautoka City Council says the fire was caused by individuals who illegally entered the site to collect scrap metal, and it initially spread across three sections, each covering roughly five acres.
The council says it has requested police assistance and has security present at the site, but these trespassers do not adhere to advisories and warnings, which poses a significant challenge in controlling the situation.
Official say efforts to control the smoke are ongoing, with one section already extinguished, while smoke continues to rise from the remaining two sections.
They say the situation has improved, and the impact on surrounding areas varies depending on wind direction, meaning no specific area is continuously affected.
The council emphasised that it is treating the matter seriously and is working around the clock to manage the smoke.
It also highlighted the challenges of controlling such a large fire, particularly due to the age and amount of the waste piles at the site.
The Lautoka City Council is advising residents to avoid activities in areas affected by smoke, wear face masks during periods when smoke is present, and stay hydrated.
It is also urging residents living near the landfill to avoid entering the dump area and, if possible, to move away from the direction of the smoke.
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